Miami Hurricanes Week 5 Preview: Virginia Tech Hokies

Miami, Florida – Now the season can truly begin, the Miami Hurricanes enter conference play for Week 5 hosting the Virginia Tech Hokies on primetime Friday. The Canes completed their non-conference slate with a perfect record starting the season 4-0 for the second consecutive year. Now that South Florida’s thumping is in the rearview mirror, UM will concentrate on conquering the ACC. These two programs last met on October 15, 2022, which resulted in a 20-14 victory for the Canes at Blacksburg. The Hokies were in the middle of an ugly seven-game losing streak.

YOU HEARD THE MAN! 🙌

Pack @HardRockStadium this Friday, Canes family!

🎟️: https://t.co/L5FwyigmNg pic.twitter.com/viXwXOzhCj

— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) September 23, 2024

Fast forward to now, VT is currently strolling in 2-2 licking its wounds from a 26-23 loss to Rutgers. Before that the Hokies defeated Marshall and Old Dominion 31-14 and 37-17 respectively. On Monday the Hurricanes opened up as 19-point favorites. Given their success, it’s no surprise. In the preseason preview, I was cautious about this matchup but this was still a win. UM patiently awaits the return of both Rueben Bain Jr. and Jalen Rivers. Reports say this may be the week they’re activated. The Canes will be facing a quarterback that started off the campaign on the Heisman Watchlist and similar to USF’s can run with the ball. In addition to their QB, they have a running game too.

This safety in Rutgers-Virginia Tech 🤔 pic.twitter.com/vbOZ6i5oh4

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 21, 2024

Virginia Tech

Kyron Drones

Cam is locked in😂😤 pic.twitter.com/V5O3Dy5PSa

— NMD Grant (@NMDgrant) September 24, 2024

The Houston native put up disappointing numbers against the Scarlet Knights throwing for 137 yards and one interception. Although he rushed for 60 yards Kyron Drones did not touch the endzone. He’s thrown for 765 yards, four touchdowns, and three INTs for the 2024 season. On the ground, Drones accumulated 209 yards and a pair of TDs. He’s been sacked eight times thus far and the Canes will likely add to the tally. Contain him and The U will be halfway to victory.

Bhayshul Tuten

3⃣ TDs for Tuten 💪

Bhayshul Tuten rushed for 122 yards and 3 TDs while averaging 8.1 yards per carry today@HokiesFB | @hokiesports | @drpepper | #ThisIsHome pic.twitter.com/cOct3DmE3X

— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) September 22, 2024

Another athlete that can cause problems in the effort to contain the offense. Bhayshul Tuten leads the Hokies with 391 rushing yards complemented by seven touchdowns. For comparison, the top rusher, at least statistically, for the Miami Hurricanes is Jordan Lyle. Yes, you read that correctly. Lyle leads the team with 233 rushing yards and three TDs. Tuten was the lone bright spot last weekend generating 122 yards on the ground and three TDs. He represents the next challenge against the rush.

Mansoor Delane

Really good play from Virginia Tech CB Mansoor Delane. He's in man coverage, recognizes underneath completion, rallies to the ball-carrier and forces a turnover near the goal line. pic.twitter.com/vPjdHznUHX

— Brent Sobleski (@brentsobleski) September 24, 2024

Shifting to the secondary we’re looking at cornerback Monsoor Delane. Now that we’re heading into ACC territory the difficulty among opponents is rising. Delane is a presence in the backfield with 11 tackles, a forced fumble, and two interceptions. On top of that, the junior has successfully deflected four passes. He defended against one and recorded the forced fumble against Rutgers. I want to see the effect Delane has on Miami’s plans Friday night, if any.

Miami Hurricanes

Xavier Restrepo

They literally TRIPLE COVERED Xavier Restrepo. I believe this was intended to be a play action sail concept.

Wasn't there, QB checks it down for a HUGE play. #gocanes #SOTG @OrangeBowlBoys pic.twitter.com/0CSIwCw5sW

— Roman #OBB (@Romancane) September 22, 2024

X has touched the 100-yard mark in nearly every game (99 yards at USF) and has built a 362-yard performance on 20 receptions and five touchdowns in 2024, a team-best. The chemistry between Xavier Restrepo and Cam Ward is unmatched with plenty of explosive plays between them. And there’s still plenty more to see! The Hokies will have their hands full in what is likely Restrepo’s third 100-yard game.

Jordan Lyle

Jordan Lyle : 6 carries for 104 yards & a TD pic.twitter.com/SvQy0bHUNt

— Lee Harvey (@MusikFan4Life) September 22, 2024

Keep in mind Jordan Lyle’s 91-yard touchdown run not only padded his numbers but also set a new Miami Hurricane record. It’s now the longest run from scrimmage in program history racing past Duke Johnson’s 90-yard run in 2014 and Jack Losch’s 90-yard run in 1955. Lyle has scored in three straight contests and the Fort Lauderdale native looks to keep the streak going. You want to know what the best part is? He’s only a freshman. The running back position is in good hands for the next few seasons.

Elijah Arroyo

Elijah Arroyo | #ItsAllAboutTheU® pic.twitter.com/eoUSPyMsFN

— GO ‘CANES! (@83_87_89_91_01) September 21, 2024

Last but not least we can’t forget about the tight ends. Elijah Arroyo has nine receptions for 184 yards and two TDs. The TE with the most production, Arroyo caught two passes for 25 yards against the Bulls. Ward has done a great job spreading the ball around meaning Arroyo is going to get at least three targets versus Virginia Tech. The position has been involved in the high-flying offense and I want to see more. We’re Tight End University after all.

Prediction

I saw this as a win then and I still see it now. In front of a home crowd the Miami Hurricanes will have no trouble bringing down the Virginia Tech Hokies to open their ACC schedule. Final score: 48-13.

Photo by Amped Up Sports.